Principal Space RF Communications Architect

Blue Origin LLC; United States; On-site; USD 170,000 - 237,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Education Support Program

Job summary

Blue Origin LLC is seeking a Principal Space RF Communications Architect to define end-to-end RF architectures for National Security Space programs. You will shape TT&C, crosslinks, and mission data links, driving architecture trades and system-level analyses across multiple teams.

You will lead formal documentation, collaborate with government customers, and mentor RF engineers while supporting proposal efforts and ensuring compliance with government standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Experience in RF systems engineering and space systems design.
• Experience designing TT&C, crosslink, and mission data link systems for space vehicles.
• Strong ability to present architectures to technical and executive audiences.
• Experience contributing to proposal efforts and architecture documentation.

Responsibilities

• Define and own end-to-end RF communications architectures for National Security Space programs, including TT&C, crosslinks, and data links.
• Lead architecture trades and system-level analyses for bands, waveforms, link budgets, modulations, and antennas.
• Develop and maintain CONOPS, ICDs, ADDs documentation.
• Collaborate with mission, systems engineering, payload, and ground teams for end-to-end compatibility.
• Engage with government customers and program offices to capture requirements and influence direction.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to RF and communications engineers in the organization.
• Support proposal development with technical volumes and architecture papers.
• Identify emerging RF technologies and threat environments relevant to national security space.

Skills

RF systems engineering

space systems

TT&C design

architecture leadership

communications systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree or Ph.D. preferred

Job description

Application close date: Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed. At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight! The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit. At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We're working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight! The role is part of the Blue National Security (BNS) business unit, which is focused on delivering advanced space capabilities in support of our nation's most critical national security missions. As a Principal Space RF Communications Architect within the Advanced Capabilities organization, you will serve as a senior technical authority responsible for defining and driving end-to-end RF communications architectures for National Security Space programs. You will shape the communications backbone of next-generation space systems — from TT&C and crosslinks to mission data links — and influence program direction from concept through execution. This is a high-impact, high-visibility role at the forefront of Blue Origin's national security mission.

Special Mentions

Preferred Location: Kent, WA (Seattle area). Candidates located in or willing to relocate to the Seattle area are strongly preferred. We will also consider candidates based at our Los Angeles, CA; Denver, CO; or Reston, VA offices. Relocation: Relocation assistance is available for candidates relocating to the Kent, WA area. Travel: Up to 25% travel may be required depending on work location and program needs. Clearance: An active Top Secret (TS) security clearance is required. TS//SCI is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Define and own end-to-end RF communications architectures for National Security Space programs, including Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C), crosslinks, and mission data links
• Lead architecture trades and system-level analyses to evaluate frequency bands, waveforms, link budgets, modulation schemes, and antenna configurations
• Develop and maintain communications architecture documentation including concept of operations (CONOPS), interface control documents (ICDs), and architecture definition documents (ADDs)
• Collaborate with mission engineering, systems engineering, payload, and ground systems teams to ensure end-to-end communications compatibility and performance
• Engage with government customers, program offices, and external stakeholders to capture requirements, present architectures, and influence program direction
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to RF and communications engineers across the Advanced Capabilities organization
• Support proposal development, including technical volumes, basis of estimates, and architecture white papers for National Security Space pursuits
• Identify and assess emerging RF technologies, standards, and threat environments relevant to national security space communications
• Ensure compliance with applicable government standards, spectrum regulations, and security requirements (e.g., COMSEC, TRANSEC, ITAR)
• Partner with the Mission Engineering & Architecture leadership team to align communications architectures with broader mission and system-level strategies

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field
• 12+ years of experience in RF systems engineering, communications systems design, or related disciplines, with demonstrated experience in space systems
• Demonstrated experience designing and/or architecting TT&C, crosslink, and/or mission data link systems for space vehicles or satellites
• Proficiency in RF link budget analysis, waveform design, modulation/coding, and antenna systems
• Experience working on National Security Space programs and familiarity with associated government customers
• Strong technical communication skills with the ability to present complex architectures to both technical and executive audiences
• Experience developing architecture documentation and contributing to proposal efforts
• Active Top Secret (TS) security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field
• Active TS//SCI security clearance
• Experience with protected/anti-jam waveforms, low probability of intercept/detection (LPI/LPD) communications, or COMSEC/TRANSEC systems
• Familiarity with MILSATCOM systems, standards, and architectures (e.g., AEHF, WGS, SDA Transport Layer)
• Experience with optical/laser communications as a complement to RF architectures
• Knowledge of spectrum management, frequency coordination, and ITU/NTIA regulatory processes
• Experience supporting competitive proposal efforts for classified government programs
• Prior experience in an architect or chief engineer role with cross-functional technical leadership responsibilities

Base Pay Range for

• CA applicants is $169,624.00 - $237,473.25
• CO applicants is $160,618.00 - $224,864.85
• WA applicants is $169,624.00 - $237,473.25
• VA applicants is $169,624.00 - $237,473.25
• Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check Required for all positions

Blue’s Standard Background Check Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing, vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training. Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits

Benefits Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program. Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week) Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays. Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on “Know Your Rights,” please see here. Affriative Action and Disability Accommodation Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’sAffirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at [e-mail]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request. We’re committed to building the road to space so our children can build the future. We are a mission-driven company focused on ideas and innovation, and encourage fresh perspectives from bold voices.

Blue Origin was founded with a vision to enable a future where millions of people are living and working in space to benefit Earth. In order to preserve Earth, Blue Origin believes in the need to enable humanity to expand, explore, find new energy and material resources, and move industries that stress Earth into space. Blue Origin believes it has an important role in building a road to space and lowering the cost of getting there. At Blue Origin, we’re working on this today by developing fully reusable launch vehicles and systems that are safe, reliable and affordable. Every launch vehicle is designed for human spaceflight from the beginning and able to ferry payloads to space.

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